Carla was devastated when she heard Randy crying over the phone. Guilt ate her up as the child sobbed. This wouldn't have happened if Zayn had not pushed me away. The children wouldn't be as heartbroken if I were the one hurt.
"Mommy… Please, say something…"
Randy was still pleading for an answer.
"Don't cry, Randy. It's just a minor injury. It's nothing serious. I will stay with Daddy at the hospital, so everything will be okay. I promise we will go home tomorrow morning, okay?" Carla coaxed gently.
"But, Mommy…"
"Trust me, Randy." Carla hardened her voice. "Don't let Josh or Venus know."
"Okay, Mommy…"
Randy was a considerate child. Despite being deeply troubled by Zayn's condition, he knew he had to collect himself and behave maturely. Now that his parents were not around, he had to be responsible for his siblings as the eldest brother.
"I'll hang up first, alright? Get some rest, Randy. I'll see you tomorrow."
Carla ended the call after bidding goodbye.
She reminded him of his role as the eldest child because she knew Randy was a responsible person. He would get himself together thinking of his siblings.
Although she knew that was not the best thing to do, she had no other option. Given a choice, she would readily sacrifice herself for Zayn. Never once did she ever want Zayn to get hurt because of her.
The guilt was unbearable for her.
Back at home, Josh was astonished when he found his brother crying silently in the corner. "What happened, Randy? Is everything okay?"
"It's nothing." Randy hurried to dry his tears, but he still felt disturbed. "Go and look after the girls. Make sure they don't see me crying."
"But you'll have to at least tell me what's going on, Randy!" Josh was like a cat on hot bricks looking at his brother. "Did Daddy and Mommy fight? Or is Daddy getting married to another woman?"
Randy looked up at Josh with tears in his eyes. How he wished things were as simple as Josh thought. He would be spared of all the worry and grief if he could be less mature and just act like a child like Josh.
"Randy…"
"It's not that, " he said, wiping his tears, "Josh, you need to start growing up and behaving, okay?"
Josh nodded his head immediately. "I will, Randy. Please don't cry anymore."
Randy felt an urge to just tell him everything, but he refrained from doing so.
Over at the hospital, Carla was still waiting anxiously at the hospital. The elevator door opened and Nella and her few subordinates came out.
The two women saw each other and a brief silence ensued.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Gold?" Benard came over and asked politely.
"Is Mr. Giblo okay?" Nella was concerned.
"They are still trying to get him back, " Benard replied solemnly, "The injury is not looking good, but he's not in danger."
"Is there enough blood in the blood bank? Do the doctors need anything?" Nella showered Benard with a series of questions.
"Everything is fine. No worries, " Benard replied, stealing a quick look at Carla. "It's already late, so why don't you go back and rest first?"
"How can I sleep while Zayn's life is still on the line?" Nella sighed, "Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble. I just want to make sure he's safe."
Speaking, she turned toward Carla, looking at her searchingly. "I hope you don't mind me staying, Ms. Lierger?"
"I don't have the right to answer that, " Carla replied lightly.
"Alright. I'll stay then." Nella sat down beside her.
Since Carla did not stop Nella from staying, Benard accepted the decision and stepped back.
Freda, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke. "I'll get you a cup of warm water, Ms. Lierger."
Benard quickly followed her when she went to get water.
"I can't believe that woman found us, " Freda grumbled.
"She's just worried. You can tell she cares for him, " Benard replied.
"Of course, she cares for him. They even went to a hotel together. How can she not care?" Freda answered sardonically.
Share
